From the Research
Trigger finger typically does not cause numbness, and if numbness is experienced, it may indicate a different condition such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Trigger finger is a condition where a finger gets stuck in a bent position and then suddenly pops straight, like a trigger being pulled and released. It occurs when inflammation narrows the space within the sheath that surrounds the tendon in the affected finger, causing pain, stiffness, and a catching sensation 1. Numbness is not a characteristic symptom of trigger finger. If you're experiencing numbness in your fingers, this may indicate a different condition such as carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the median nerve in the wrist, or another nerve compression disorder.
Some key points to consider about trigger finger include:
- It is a mechanical problem with many etiological factors as possible causes, such as diabetes mellitus, carpal tunnel syndrome, and repetitive finger movements 1.
- The diagnosis is mainly based on clinical symptoms during examination and first-line treatment is conservative with splinting and corticosteroid injections 1.
- Surgical open release is the "gold standard" of trigger finger treatment because it allows more careful inspection of the surgical area and is highly effective with low complication rates 1.
- Non-surgical treatment options include activity modification, oral and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), splinting, and local injections with anti-inflammatory drugs 2.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome commonly causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers. If you're experiencing numbness along with symptoms of trigger finger, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, as you may have multiple conditions occurring simultaneously.
Treatment will depend on the specific diagnosis but might include rest, splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, or in some cases, surgery 1, 2, 3. It's crucial to note that the effectiveness of different treatments may vary, and the choice of treatment should be based on the individual patient's needs and circumstances. For example, a study comparing NSAID injection and steroid injection for trigger finger found that both treatments were effective, but steroid injection provided quicker relief 3. However, another study found that NSAID injection may offer little to no benefit over glucocorticoid injection in the treatment of trigger finger 2.
In terms of prioritizing morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, it's essential to consider the potential risks and benefits of different treatments and to choose the treatment that is most likely to improve the patient's overall health and well-being. This may involve weighing the potential benefits of surgical treatment against the potential risks and considering the patient's individual circumstances and preferences. Ultimately, the goal of treatment should be to improve the patient's quality of life and to minimize the risk of complications or adverse outcomes.